Damaged pipes and/or fittings installed in consumer gas pipework
This advisory note covers NSW rules for gasfitters on managing damaged pipes or fittings in consumer gas systems to maintain safety and compliance.
| Note | 07/2023 |
|---|---|
| Date Issued | January 2023 |
| Last updated | January 2023 |
| For | Licensees and contractors working in the gasfitting industry |
| Issue by | Building Commission NSW Building Specialist Compliance Unit |
| Scope | Applies to all areas in New South Wales |
Issue
Recent gas audit inspections of Class 1 and 2 buildings carried out by Building Commission NSW’s Gas Compliance Unit have identified gas pipes that have been damaged either prior to or during the installation process.
A new revision of AS/NZS5601.1 has been released on 30 September 2022 (AS/NZS5601.1:2022) and becomes the referenced standard from 30 March 2023.
AS/NZS5601.1:2022 requires that a gas pipe installed in a metal frame shall have holes drilled or formed to an accurate size and grommets, insulation or a short sleeve of oversize pipe firmly secured to the framework and inserted around the pipe.
All gas installations in NSW must comply with the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 (the Act) with any installation not conforming to AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 considered non-compliant.
AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 – Gas Installations
5.1.1 – Condition of pipe and pipe fittings
Pipe and pipe fittings shall be clear and free from cutting burs, defects in structure or threading, cutting oil or grease, weld or braze deposits, flux residues and other such contaminants.
5.1.9 – Bending pipe
Every bend and offset in a pipe shall be free from any buckle, crack, or other evidence of physical damage to the pipe or its protective coating.
5.3.3 – Piping not to be subject to physical damage
In locations where physical damage may occur, consumer piping shall be protected by appropriate means including, but not limited to:
- sleeving
- barrier
- covering.
5.3.14.4 – Metal framework
Holes drilled or formed in metal studs or plates shall be accurately sized to enable suitable grommets, insulation or short sleeve of oversize pipe firmly secured to the framework to be inserted around the pipe, to ensure no direct contact between the pipe and framework but to allow free longitudinal movement of the pipe through the grommet, lagging or sleeve, as shown in figures 5.2.14.4(A) and 5.3.14.4 (B).
Requirements
The gas consumer pipe must be installed free from any buckle, crack, or other evidence of physical damage. Due care must be taken during installation not to damage any part of the pipe and fittings.
Below are examples of identified non-compliances.
Information contained within this advisory note refers to codes and standards current at the time at when it was last updated.
Building Commission NSW disclaims any liability (including for negligence) to any person in respect of anything done, or not done, by that person in whole or partial reliance on any of the information in this advisory note.